Posts Tagged ‘homebased business’
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
Flattery Will Get you Everywhere
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Video As A Marketing Tool
I can feel some of you cringing as you read this, but I think you should at least consider incorporating video into your marketing plan. Video can be used in a lot of ways, and it’s very effective. That’s one of the reasons HSN and QVC are so successful. They are constantly connecting with their customers with conversation and demonstrations. Video can do the same for you.
I love fresh pineapple but never bought it because it’s such a mess to slice up. Then I came across a video of the Vacu Vin pineapple slicer. The 2 minute demonstration showed how easy it was to use, so I purchased one. It worked as promised, and now I would try other products from this company. So, if you have a product that has a function you can demonstrate, video is a great way to go.
If your products that don’t lend to an instructional video, you can still show your products in motion, whether you sell apparel, makeup or jewelry. This also gives your potential customers a chance to get to know you. And if your company offers a service, video is a great way to build trust. People will start to develop a relationship with you before even meeting you.
Getting started is easier than you may think. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a decent camera, and they all come with software so you can do some basic editing. Then you can set up a YouTube channel and link from your blog, or you can put your videos on Vimeo and imbed the videos in your website, which is what I do. Here’s a list of other video sites, if you’re interested in doing a little research on your own.
If you’ve never done anything like this before, practice. You will definitely get more comfortable with each try. In the beginning you may feel embarrassed watching yourself, but keep practicing. Sometimes I still cringe a little, especially if my lighting is bad, but I re-do it if I have time. (You can find a few examples where I ran out of time – not good, but, oh well.) Like anything else, the best way to get started is to jump in with both feet. Let me know if you have any questions.
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
But How Do You Know It’s Your Passion?
We all hear it and read it every day – your work/job should be something you’re passionate about. As much as we all want to follow our bliss, many people don’t know what that is for them. This is understandable. Throughout our lives we’re told what it means to be successful, and which paths will lead us to fulfillment. But upon arrival, we realize we were following the path of someone else’s dream. So how do we switch directions and head toward our dream?
First, you have to remember what makes you happy. Go back as far as your memory will allow. You will find clues in the games you liked the most, and the kids you played with. Did you create neighborhood newspapers, or set up elaborate lemonade stands during the summer? Did you like putting on plays with your friends? We’re you the actor? Or the producer, joyfully bossing your friends around? Did you draw and paint pictures, or create costumes from your mom’s discards? What you loved doing as a kid is what you still love, just maybe in another form.
Once you determine the “what”, spend some time figuring out why you liked these activities. Was it the problem solving, the creativity, the organizing? It may take a little time, but as you get closer to the truth, you’ll know it, because you’ll feel energized and engaged.
The final step is simple, but not necessarily easy. Step onto your path. Changing the direction of your life is scary, but it can be done. Approach the process as if it were a marathon, not a sprint. Maybe take on a hobby or side job that reflects the true you. That may be enough for you to be fulfilled. As your comfort level increases, though, you may find yourself wanting more. And now that you’re on the right path, you’ll know what to do, because when we’re in touch with our true desires, we’re also in touch with our instincts. So take the first steps, and the rest will fall into place.
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
The Winds Of Change Are Always Blowing
As 2010 gets under way, business owners struggle to make progress,as each day brings more discouraging news about unemployment, and credit continues to elude many. The signs of battle fatigue are apparent.
It is important to realize, though, that throughout the country’s history, the economy has undergone a number of structural changes. These shifts were brought on by both negative and positive circumstances. Of course, the stock market crash in 1929 is an obvious example of a negative occurrence. But technological advances have also wreaked economic havoc. Established industries (and their jobs) have disappeared or shrunk dramatically and quickly. And the new industries taking their place needed a few cycles before they substantially contributed to economic growth.
No matter what the cause, over time, the economy has reorganized and stabilized, just like it will again. And I can tell you that this is the time to push your hardest. As some people close their businesses, it clears the field and provides you an opportunity to increase your customer base. Also, because of general angst and burnout, companies want a change and you can be the person to provide that fresh outlook. When things do improve – and they will – you will be out in front of the crowd.
Keep in mind that things are always changing, in all aspects of our lives. As a business owner you need to be prepared for the upswings, as well as the downturns. The less you fear change, the more easily you’ll adapt. And that is the key to survival.
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
AwardSync Will Help You Get The Attention You Deserve
As we all know, PR and marketing plays an essential role in the growth of your business. One thing that surely brings attention is a special honor for your company. Awardsync is an online resource that lists awards programs. Whether you are posting and promoting awards programs, or looking for award programs for your company, registering is free.
As you market your company, it definitely helps if you have something that sets you apart in your field. An award as one of the top new eco-friendly companies, for example, adds to your company’s positive reputation and builds your customers’ confidence is what you have to offer.
Make sure you only submit for award programs that are appropriate for your company. This will enhance your chance of winning. Also, make sure the award program reflects the values of your company. Winning just to win is not the point. The potential award should strengthen your brand identity. You can read more at AwardSync.com
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
There Will Always Be New Ideas
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
DBA vs Trademark
I have recently talked to three different people on three separate occasions that had the wrong idea about filing for a DBA. So I’m going to (hopefully) clear things up.
When your business has a name that does not include your legal name you must file a fictitious business statement (also known as a DBA – Doing Buisiness As). For example if your name is John Johnson and your company name is John Johnson Plumbing Services, you do not need to file for a DBA certificate. But if your company name is On Time Plumbing, you need to file, and notices need to be placed in local area newspapers. This does NOT give you legal rights to the name On Time Plumbing. Filing a fictitious business statement is all about the right of the public to know with whom they’re doing business.
In order to gain legal ownership of a company name you must register your name as a trademark. The registration fee is $325. You can conduct a trademark search and file yourself, or you can use one of the gazillion websites out there. Some will do it for you for a reasonable fee, and some for an outrageous fee. No matter what route you choose, though, protect your name and logo up front. It could save you time, money and heartache.
This should clear things up, but if you have additional questions, just ask.
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
Changing The Failure Habit
Constant failure may be nothing more than a bad habit you picked up, like biting your fingernails. This is great news, because it is simple to change a habit. Of course, simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy.
Have you, over the years, set goals for yourself and then repeatedly not followed through? If so, your brain has come to expect you to give up, and will even assist you in doing so. Over the years you have created a strong neural pathway that your thoughts follow; thoughts of quitting before achievement, thoughts that are reinforced by your negative self-talk.
It is commonly accepted that it takes about 30 days to create a new habit. This ishow long it takes to strengthen a new neural pathway. So, to overcome a habit of failure, you must stick with your new goal for 30 days before it starts to feel normal to you. If you want to start exercising daily, or you want to start actively networking to find new customers, go into it knowing that your subconscious will be fighting to stay on its familiar old pathway. If you know the source of that urge to quit, and that it is temporary, this should help you to forge ahead.
I just read that our will power is weaker as the day wears on, and it’s negatively affected by emotionally upsetting incidents. With this in mind, perform your new task as early in the day as possible, before other issues can get in the way.
Another tip to help keep you on the path is, stay positive. Pay attention to your thoughts. When you think “I just can’t do this”, stop that thought in its track and replace it with a supportive statement. You can accomplish anything, but you’ve got to give yourself a chance, and about 30 days.
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
Join a Networking or Mastermind Group (or Start Your Own)
When I started my t-shirt business 6 years ago, I forged ahead on my own. My accounting background was a huge help with many of the required tasks. As far as finding resources and marketing, though, it took about me 18 months to get my footing. Everything I learned, I learned through trial and error (mostly error). That is why I believe whole-heartedly in joining a networking or mastermind group.
If I had been involved in such a group 6 years ago, I would have saved myself thousands of dollars and countless hours. To be fair to myself, online social networking hadn’t evolved, yet, and there wasn’t the variety of groups that there are now.
These days, women can choose from Savor The Success, Smarty, or Ladies Who Launch, just to name a few of the larger organizations. And social networking has grown beyond anyone’s expectations, with Twitter, FaceBook, LinkedIn and myriad specialty networks on Ning. The online and offline groups feed each other and there is tremendous value in participating. There is so much you can learn from others’ experience, and people are very willing to tell you about mistakes they’ve made, so you can avoid the same pitfalls.
If you can’t find an existing group in your area, set up a casual meeting of local entrepreneurs, yourself. Visit local businesses and talk to the owners. Having a group of diverse members will be beneficial. If you aren’t up for that and can’t find a way to participate in any other live meetings, become an active participant in online discussions. I know there are people who say online relationships aren’t “real” relationships, but that’s just not true. There are several people I’ve met online that I speak to regularly. We support each other and share information. Some I’ve since met in person, and a few I haven’t (yet), but I feel like I know them, because I do. And I’ve come to trust their input.
Working for yourself is challenging and rewarding, but at times it can be overwhelming and cause feelings of isolation. Participating in group meetings and events (online and offline) will alleviate these feelings, and offer you the chance to build valuable professional relationships.
